“We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.” Zeno of Citium, as quoted by Diogenes Laërtius
The visit to the retailers’ during the end season is marked with a slight wariness. Though the anticipation of rummaging through the variety on display and searching for the “good stuff” are the few of the many reasons that one enters the mall during the peak season; underlying is the feel that one may run into someone that one knows. When the acquaintance is one who has been in regular touch, it is a quick chat but if it is someone who has been out of town for a long time; there is the cup of coffee and a snack brunch or dinner to follow. On the latter encounters, what one later realizes was in the monologue; it was the trait of listening that was being developed.
“Not everyone with a problem needs you to solve it. Sometimes all a person needs is to feel like they’ve been heard. Listening without judging can be more effective than injecting your opinions or trying to solve a problem that doesn’t have an easy answer.” Zero Dean
For those people with a comfortable circle of friends and colleagues, it is the trait of listening that is highly valued. Many a time, when caught in a quandary, more people want to be simply listened to than being poured with advice. The art of listening is indeed a rare one. To be quiet, lend a ear and actually comprehend what one days builds up the relationship, self respect and harmony of both. It may be easy to judge, offer opinions or point out mistakes. Yet those things may be eventually felt by the speaker themselves, once they are allowed to sort out things by themselves. More than speaking, it is listening impartially, openly ans with an interest than builds not just relationships, but also gives insight, forethought as well as learning to be imparted and used in the future. Any relationship is always a coordination of speech, silence, listening, kindness and acceptance. When these seeds are first sown, the plant grows healthy. Only when one learns to listen, will they to be listened to.
“Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk.” Doug Larson
We all know what it’s like to get that phone call in the middle of the night. This night was no different. Jerking up to the ringing summons, I focused on the red, illuminated numbers of my clock. It was midnight and panicky thoughts filled my sleep-dazed mind as I grabbed the receiver. ‘Hello?’ My heart pounded, I gripped the phone tighter and eyed my husband, who was now turning to face my side of the bed. ‘Mum?’ The voice answered. I could hardly hear the whisper over the static. But my thoughts immediately went to my daughter. When the desperate sound of a young crying voice became clear on the line, I grabbed for my husband and squeezed his wrist.
‘Mum, I know it’s late. But don’t … don’t say anything until I finish. And before you ask, yes I’ve been drinking. I nearly ran off the road a few miles back and…’ I drew in a sharp, shallow breath, released my husband and pressed my hand against my forehead. Sleep still fogged my mind, and I attempted to fight back the panic. Something wasn’t right. ‘… and I got so scared. All I could think of was how it would hurt you if a policeman came to your door and said I’d been killed. I want to come home. I know running away was wrong. I know you’ve been worried sick. I should have called you days ago but I was afraid, afraid …’
Sobs of deep-felt emotion flowed from the receiver and poured into my heart. Immediately I pictured my daughter’s face in my mind, and my fogged senses seemed to clear, ‘I think …. ‘ ‘No! Please let me finish! Please!’ She pleaded, not so much in anger, but in desperation. I paused and tried to think what to say. Before I could go on, she continued. ‘I’m pregnant, Mum. I know I shouldn’t be drinking now … especially now, but I’m scared, Mum. So scared!’
The voice broke again, and I bit into my lip, feeling my own eyes fill with moisture. I looked up at my husband, who sat silently mouthing, ‘Who is it?’ I shook my head and when I didn’t answer, he jumped up and left the room, returning seconds later with a portable phone held to his ear. She must have heard the click in the line because she asked, ‘Are you still there? Please don’t hang up on me! I need you. I feel so alone.’
I clutched the phone and stared at my husband, seeking guidance. ‘I’m here, I wouldn’t hang up,’ I said. ‘I should have told you, mum. I know I should have told you. But, when we talk, you just keep telling me what I should do. You read all those pamphlets on how to talk about sex and all, but all you do is talk. You don’t listen to me. You never let me tell you how I feel. It is as if my feelings aren’t important. Because you’re my mother you think you have all the answers. But sometimes I don’t need answers. I just want someone to listen.’
I swallowed the lump in my throat and stared at the how-to-talk-to-your-kids pamphlets scattered on my nightstand. ‘I’m listening,’ I whispered.
‘You know, back there on the road after I got the car under control, I started thinking about the baby and taking care of it. Then I saw this phone booth and it was as if I could hear you preaching to me about how people shouldn’t drink and drive. So I called a taxi. I want to come home.’ ‘That’s good honey,’ I said, relief filling my chest. My husband came closer, sat down beside me and laced his fingers through mine. ‘But you know, I think I can drive now.’ ‘No!’ I snapped. My muscles stiffened and I tightened the clasp on my husband’s hand. ‘Please, wait for the taxi. Don’t hang up on me until the taxi gets there.’ ‘I just want to come home, Mum.’ ‘I know. But do this for your Mum. Wait for the taxi, please.’
I listened to the silence in fear. When I didn’t hear her answer, I bit into my lip and closed my eyes. Somehow I had to stop her from driving. ‘There’s the taxi now.’ Only when I heard someone in the background asking about a Yellow Cab did I feel my tension easing. ‘I’m coming home, Mum.’
There was a click, and the phone went silent. Moving from the bed, tears forming in my eyes, I walked out into the hall and went to stand in my 16-year-old daughter’s room. My husband came from behind, wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on the top of my head. I wiped the tears from my cheeks. ‘We have to learn to listen,’ I said to him. He studied me for a second, and then asked, ‘Do you think she’ll ever know she dialed the wrong number?’ I looked at our sleeping daughter, then back at him. ‘Maybe it wasn’t such a wrong number.’
‘Mum, Dad, what are you doing?’ The muffled voice came from under the covers. I walked over to my daughter, who now sat up staring into the darkness. ‘We’re practicing,’ I answered. ‘Practicing what?’ she mumbled and laid back on the mattress, but her eyes already closed in slumber. ‘Listening,’ I whispered and brushed a hand over her cheek.
Author Unknown
“The art of conversation lies in listening.” Malcom Forbes
Sugar And Spice... Among Other Things 